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Jehanne_Darc
Guest
Isn’t wearing a scapular a responsability? What does a child under 7 who wears one have to make sure he/she does each day to be able to wear it?
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puzzleannie
Guest
since the consecration in the scapular is supposed to be something done by choice, it would seem the person should be old enough to make that informed choice, which is why I think traditionally children were invested in the scapular at the time of their first communion.
Frankly I think it is dangerous for a small child to have any kind of string around her neck. I would not put a scapular, medal on a chain or anything similar on a small child, for the same reason I would pull drawstrings out of sweatshirts and have mittens with clips rathern than on strings.
Frankly I think it is dangerous for a small child to have any kind of string around her neck. I would not put a scapular, medal on a chain or anything similar on a small child, for the same reason I would pull drawstrings out of sweatshirts and have mittens with clips rathern than on strings.
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rciadan
Guest
I would think that it is no problem, except as Puzzle Annie says, if it is a commen sense case of a safety issue such as the child being too little to wear a necklace safely.
As far as choice goes though, to say that the child needs to be able to make a theological descision to wear it is, I think, much the same as saying that a child needs to wait until he or she can “theologically choose” to be baptised. A child can wear a scapular below the age of reason for the same reason that we baptise infants. Grace does not depend on our understanding. Just as it is the parents bringing the child to Christ in the Sacrament of Baptism and in many case Confirmation (without any concious descision-making on the part of the child, so it is when parents decide to cover thier children with Mary’s Mantle, the scapular.
As far as choice goes though, to say that the child needs to be able to make a theological descision to wear it is, I think, much the same as saying that a child needs to wait until he or she can “theologically choose” to be baptised. A child can wear a scapular below the age of reason for the same reason that we baptise infants. Grace does not depend on our understanding. Just as it is the parents bringing the child to Christ in the Sacrament of Baptism and in many case Confirmation (without any concious descision-making on the part of the child, so it is when parents decide to cover thier children with Mary’s Mantle, the scapular.
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Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
But the question would be can a child under the age of reason be validly enrolled in the Scapular by a priest?I would think that it is no problem, except as Puzzle Annie says, if it is a commen sense case of a safety issue such as the child being too little to wear a necklace safely.
As far as choice goes though, to say that the child needs to be able to make a theological descision to wear it is, I think, much the same as saying that a child needs to wait until he or she can “theologically choose” to be baptised. A child can wear a scapular below the age of reason for the same reason that we baptise infants. Grace does not depend on our understanding. Just as it is the parents bringing the child to Christ in the Sacrament of Baptism and in many case Confirmation (without any concious descision-making on the part of the child, so it is when parents decide to cover thier children with Mary’s Mantle, the scapular.
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rciadan
Guest
No, the question was , “Can a child wear a scapular.” And I still say yes, because if he is has not yet reached the ability to reason, he is under his parents protection and responsibility, meaning that they are responsible to see that he does what wearing the scapular calls for. Once he has reached the age of reason he can then decide to continue wearing it or not. A child with no ability to reason can still wear a scapular in good faith and with the intentions of loving God and Loving his neighbor even if he cannot reason it out in an intellectual manner.Of course, as he grows so will his responsibility. This all follows in the same model as Baptism. Can a child who is under the age of reason be validly enrolled into the family of God? Of course, and the same goes for the Scapular.But the question would be can a child under the age of reason be validly enrolled in the Scapular by a priest?
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puzzleannie
Guest
baptism is a sacramentNo, the question was , “Can a child wear a scapular.” And I still Can a child who is under the age of reason be validly enrolled into the family of God? Of course, and the same goes for the Scapular.
the scapular is a sacramental
the distinction must be made
there is certainly no reason a child cannnot wear any sacramental, but the act of enrollment is about a specific decision a person makes
I think the safety considerations trump here. also I would not give a small child a scapular any more than I would a blessed rosary if it is going to be used as a toy or teething object.
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Jehanne_Darc
Guest
Okay, so since the issue of should a child under seven (before first communion) where a scapular has been discussed. Does anybody know if a priest can validly enroll a child as a scapular wearer?
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Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
A person should not wear the Sacrular if they are not properly enrolled in the Scapular.No, the question was , “Can a child wear a scapular.” And I still say yes, because if he is has not yet reached the ability to reason, he is under his parents protection and responsibility, meaning that they are responsible to see that he does what wearing the scapular calls for. Once he has reached the age of reason he can then decide to continue wearing it or not. A child with no ability to reason can still wear a scapular in good faith and with the intentions of loving God and Loving his neighbor even if he cannot reason it out in an intellectual manner.Of course, as he grows so will his responsibility. This all follows in the same model as Baptism. Can a child who is under the age of reason be validly enrolled into the family of God? Of course, and the same goes for the Scapular.
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rciadan
Guest
Not all scapulars require enrollment. The Green for instance. I am also noticing that we are all voicing opinions. Is there anywhere to go to get a definitive, authoritative answer? I think that unless the answer is yes, it is the parents who are best able to make that decision for the child.A person should not wear the Scapular if they are not properly enrolled in the Scapular.
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Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
Well yes you are correct there may be some that may not require enrollment. The traditional Brown received at First Holy Communion does, this is what I have in mind. I’m sure the various confraternities associated with the different Scapulars issue instructions. The Brown is traditionally associated with the Carmelites.Not all scapulars require enrollment. The Green for instance. I am also noticing that we are all voicing opinions. Is there anywhere to go to get a definitive, authoritative answer? I think that unless the answer is yes, it is the parents who are best able to make that decision for the child.
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Jehanne_Darc
Guest
Br. Rich. Can you tell me more about the receiving of the scapular at first communion?
Also, should I mention it to my God Daughter’s parents that since she is only 5 she should not be wearing the brown scapular?
I would rather not mention it if it is not a serious issue:
I find that they are very zealous with exterior devotions (by this I mean things that are true and good devotions however can be seen by all when practiced, unlike the evening rosary in the privacy of the home) and since it comes across as holier than thou and therfore irritates me I do not say anything as a rule about the exterior devotions because it would not come out well.
Also, should I mention it to my God Daughter’s parents that since she is only 5 she should not be wearing the brown scapular?
I would rather not mention it if it is not a serious issue:
I find that they are very zealous with exterior devotions (by this I mean things that are true and good devotions however can be seen by all when practiced, unlike the evening rosary in the privacy of the home) and since it comes across as holier than thou and therfore irritates me I do not say anything as a rule about the exterior devotions because it would not come out well.
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Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
I agree with the others here that a scapular on a 5yo could be dangerous. There are traditional First Communion gifts with a prayer book, Rosary, and Brown Scapular. Usually (here at least) the pastor will assemble the whole group of First Communicants and those who have received a scapular with those who didn’t (he gives them one). Then he enrolls the whole group of children.Br. Rich. Can you tell me more about the receiving of the scapular at first communion?
Also, should I mention it to my God Daughter’s parents that since she is only 5 she should not be wearing the brown scapular?
I would rather not mention it if it is not a serious issue:
I find that they are very zealous with exterior devotions (by this I mean things that are true and good devotions however can be seen by all when practiced, unlike the evening rosary in the privacy of the home) and since it comes across as holier than thou and therfore irritates me I do not say anything as a rule about the exterior devotions because it would not come out well.
Wearing a scapular is a personal commitment to prayer and devotion to Mary. They must make that personal commitment which is why I say that the Age of Reason or Discretion is the minimum age. Otherwise it’s a thing and not a Spiritual aid.
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blessedstar
Guest
I am going to take it that you don’t intend to give the Scapular to a very small child, such as a baby or very tiny tot for safety reasons. But you may securely hang a blessed Scapular out of reach on the wall of a very young child’s bedroom, say over their cot.
A young child may wear the Scapular in the simplicty of their child-like faith in Christ Jesus. The Scapular may be worn without enrolement, but the Scapular must be blessed by a Priest. The Sister in charge of my Chapter gave me a Brown Scapular for my daughter to wear. She is five years old. My daughter wears the Scapular whenever she is compelled to put it on herself and other than this she wears it to Mass on Sunday. Outside of these times the Scapular hangs around the Crucifix on her bedroom wall next to her bed. She has a basic understanding of what the Brown Scapular means and has desired to wear it because in her simple child’s faith she loves Jesus and Mary and knows it as a sign of her faith in Jesus and that it is a blessing to wear it.
My daughter understands it is a sacred and holy object and and to treat it with due reverence.
It comes down to the understanding of the child as it does with those children who are allowed to make their First Communion earlier than the age of reason which is normally deemed to be seven years old but some as young as five have and do make their First Holy Communion.
If your child understands the duty he/she has to treat the Scapular with reverence and sees you wearing one and modelling good Christian behaviour it is only natural that the child would wish to emulate the parent and there is no reason therefore for you to deny your child the grace of wearing the Scapular. This is good Catholic parenting.
I hope you and your child will be blessed with many graces by the solemn wearing of the Scapular and in doing so join in the merits of the Order to which your Scapular is attached and they merit by your prayers.
A young child may wear the Scapular in the simplicty of their child-like faith in Christ Jesus. The Scapular may be worn without enrolement, but the Scapular must be blessed by a Priest. The Sister in charge of my Chapter gave me a Brown Scapular for my daughter to wear. She is five years old. My daughter wears the Scapular whenever she is compelled to put it on herself and other than this she wears it to Mass on Sunday. Outside of these times the Scapular hangs around the Crucifix on her bedroom wall next to her bed. She has a basic understanding of what the Brown Scapular means and has desired to wear it because in her simple child’s faith she loves Jesus and Mary and knows it as a sign of her faith in Jesus and that it is a blessing to wear it.
My daughter understands it is a sacred and holy object and and to treat it with due reverence.
It comes down to the understanding of the child as it does with those children who are allowed to make their First Communion earlier than the age of reason which is normally deemed to be seven years old but some as young as five have and do make their First Holy Communion.
If your child understands the duty he/she has to treat the Scapular with reverence and sees you wearing one and modelling good Christian behaviour it is only natural that the child would wish to emulate the parent and there is no reason therefore for you to deny your child the grace of wearing the Scapular. This is good Catholic parenting.
I hope you and your child will be blessed with many graces by the solemn wearing of the Scapular and in doing so join in the merits of the Order to which your Scapular is attached and they merit by your prayers.
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